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Top Denver Arts Programs To Support

April 23, 2012 6:00 AM

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Money is tight these days, and when money is scarce, the arts usually suffer. The performing and visual arts companies rely on donations and support to keep their doors open. Arts and culture are both an important part of any city, and they would be lost without organizations like these. If you are looking for a way to give back to the arts community, or if you are looking for an organization to support, then these five organizations are all great options and very worthy of your time and money. Help keep the arts alive in Denver, support organizations like these.

You have probably seen the SCFD logo all over Denver. The little white bear makes his appearance on playbills and advertisements of just about every arts or cultural organization in the city. The SCFD was founded in 1989 and they receive money from a voter-approved 1/10th of 1% sales tax. That money is then distributed to cultural facilities throughout Denver. They help everyone from the smaller theatre companies to the Denver Zoo and the Denver Center for the Performing Arts through a tiered funds distribution system. Annually, they distribute about $40 million to help over 300 organizations. The SCFD does also offer an internship for students, job seekers, and career changers to help out and get involved in this important organization.

The Women’s Voices Fund is an organization that was established in 2005 to support work of women playwrights at the Denver Center Theatre Company. Almost $700,000 is used to commission, workshop and produce new plays by women. Since its inception, the Denver Center has produced 19 plays by women including three world premiers. They have hired 13 female directors and have commissioned nine female playwrights; all would not have been possible if it wasn’t for the Women’s Voices Fund. Donations are appreciated, and if you join as a “founder” or “associate,” then you are also invited to participate in gatherings to meet playwrights, actors and directors with the members of the Women’s Voices Fund.

The mission of the Denver Art Society is to organize independent artists and provide venues for the development of creativity. They are able to accomplish this by providing free classes to people 25 years of age and younger. They also host performances, cultural events, and peer collaboration, all with a specific tie to the visual and performing arts. They rely completely on donations, members and volunteers to support their mission. You can donate on their website, or you can consider joining the Denver Art Society for as little as $10 a month. They have many different benefits for all membership levels, and all of the money goes directly to support their cause.

The CHAC is a group of visual and performing artists that joined together in 1978 to establish support for Chicano and Latino artists. They have two shows a month by a local visual or performing artist and have featured everything from musicians to dancers, actors, writers and poets. The CHAC also does a lot of work with local schools in the Denver Public School system to provide a gallery space for cultural art projects. They welcome donations in any amount on their website, or you an also consider joining and becoming a member of the CHAC to be more involved in this tremendous organization.

The Denver Foundation is the oldest and most established foundations in Denver. They were established in 1925 to support and inspire resources to help the community. They support every possible aspect of the community from fighting poverty to improving health, as well as arts and culture. When selecting which organizations will receive funds from The Denver Foundation, they give priority to programs that advance K-12 arts education or integrate the arts into public education. They have many different ways to donate. You can make a donation online, or they have options to give through your estate, life insurance, or one of many other types of giving opportunities. This is a truly important organization that has helped to shape the city of Denver, and they are very deserving of your support.

Deborah Flomberg is a theater professional, freelance writer and Denver native. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.